Thelma Lorraine Smith transitioned from this earthly world into the arms of
our Lord and Savior on November 22, 2023, surrounded by her family. Thelma
was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia on August 22, 1939 to Taylor and
Gertrude Richard Eanes. Being the fifth of twenty one children, Thelma learned to
work hard at an early age. It was her task to care for the younger children, cooking
and gardening and assisting in managing the household. She willingly accepted these
responsibilities and developed many skills, values and knowledge. She incorporated
all these abilities throughout her life.
Thelma grew up in a Christian family and first received the gospel at home. She
would often reflect on her father singing “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” and the
family requirement to learn and recite the Lord’s Prayer. She accepted Christ into her
life and learned to walk by faith. At an early age, she joined Zion Hill Baptist Church
where she engaged in numerous church activities. During her younger years, she was
a trustee and a choir member.
Thelma graduated from the Robert Russa Moton High School in 1958. She was
united in Holy Matrimony on December 13, 1959, to James Smith, Sr. God blessed
this union with four children.
Thelma was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She taught
and demonstrated determination, hope, faith, love, wisdom and forgiveness in the
household. She believed it’s not what you gain in your life on earth that’s important.
It’s the values and knowledge you are able to instill in others before you transition to
your eternal resting place. She believed you should do your best with what you have,
until the Lord plans for something better.
Thelma dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. She briefly worked
outside the home at Southside Community Hospital, Craddock Terry and the
Virginia Shoe Company. She worked in the community providing child care and
helping the elderly. Her passion was gardening, canning and loving the earth. She
loved to see things grow. . Her actions and the way she lived speaks for her. It’s what
in your heart that’s important.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and in-laws. She
leaves to cherish her memories and to carry on her legacy: her daughters, Thelma
Walker (James), Ojetta Ransome and Alvita Patton; son, James M. Smith, Jr. (Joyce);
grandchildren, Marcus Walker, Taylor Ransome, Jamie Smith, Tyrette Adams (Jaman),
Tynesha Wright (Antoine), Matthew Walker, Jasmine Smith, Jessica Walker, Stephen
Patton and Michael Patton; great-grandchildren, Kyra, Ky’Lique, Jaylen, Li’Laya,
Isaiah, Ja’Ziah, Issac and several great-grandchildren of love through marriage;
sisters, Yvonne Howell (Joe), Sylvia Holman (Richard) and Carrie Walker; brothers,
McCarthy Eanes (Lucy), Vincent Eanes (Sheila), Malvin Eanes (Shirley) and Royal
Eanes and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.